Isaiah 61:1 (NIV):
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
In the book of Isaiah, we encounter a powerful declaration of purpose and mission. Isaiah 61:1 is a profound verse that speaks of an anointing—a divine empowerment given by God to carry out His work on earth. This verse is not only a declaration for the prophet Isaiah but also a prophetic revelation that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and extends to all believers who are called to share in His mission.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me.” These words signify the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who enables and equips us to carry out God’s will. In the Old Testament, the anointing of the Holy Spirit was reserved for prophets, priests, and kings, marking them for specific tasks. But in the New Testament, through Christ, this anointing is made available to all who believe. The Holy Spirit is not just a distant force but an indwelling presence, guiding, strengthening, and empowering us to fulfill the mission God has entrusted to us.
